The Belasitza military operation (1014)
The Belasitza military operation (1014)

Summary/Abstract: The article is entirely based on data from historical sources about the events of 1014. An important place among them is occupied by the Byzantine chronicle Historia Imperatorum. In Bulgaria, it was published as part of the chronicle of Georgius Monachus continuation (GIBI VI). The author examines the various editions of this source. He goes on to present the events of the summer of 1014 – the march of Byzantine Emperor Basil II (976–1025) along the valley of the Strumeshnitsa River, the actions of the strategos of Philippopolis, Nikephoros Xiphias and the Byzantine victory at Klyuch (July 29, 1014). Attention is drawn to the differences in the historical texts of John Skylitzes on the one hand and Kekaumenos on the other. The two Byzantine authors present the clash between the Bulgarians and Byzantines very simply – just as a battle at the fortifications of Belasitsa mountains. In fact, the struggle continued after that. It is believed that the relatively easy passage of the Nikephoros Xiphias’ unit through the mountain heights of Belasitsa was made with the help of Wallachian shepherds who helped the Romans by showing them convenient paths through the impassable mountain. According to the author, it is unlikely that Tsar Samuel (997–1014) stayed on the battlefield at Klyuch.

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